BRAINCAKEControl of Osmoregulation
The water potential of the blood is kept within narrow limits by a homeostatic control system involving the hypothalamus, the posterior pituitary gland and the kidneys. Like all homeostatic systems it has receptors, a coordinator and effectors.
Receptors. Osmoreceptors are cells in the hypothalamus that detect changes in the water potential of the blood. When the blood water potential falls (for example after sweating or eating salty food), water leaves the osmoreceptor cells by osmosis and they shrink. This stimulates them. When the blood water potential rises, they swell and are stimulated less.
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Key terms in this lesson
- osmoreceptors
- Cells in the hypothalamus that detect changes in the water potential of the blood.
- neurosecretory cells
- Neurones in the hypothalamus that make a hormone, such as ADH, and release it from their axon endings into the blood.
- posterior pituitary gland
- The part of the pituitary gland that stores and releases ADH made in the hypothalamus.
More in Homeostasis
- Distal Convoluted Tubule
- Collecting Duct
- Urine
- Adaptations
- ADH
- Negative Feedback Control
- Extra Feedback
- Diabetes Insipidus
All 41 lessons in Homeostasis · All Edexcel A-level Biology topics